Kazakhstan welcomes France's Macron under Moscow's disapproving gaze

[Collection]French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Kazakhstan as part of his trip to Central Asia. The region, long considered Russia's backyard, has garnered Western attention due to the conflict in Ukraine. Kazakhstan has become an alternative supplier of crude oil to Europe, bypassing Russia, and has refused to align with Moscow on the Ukraine issue. Macron praised Kazakhstan for its stance and stated that the two countries plan to sign significant business deals. The visit is seen as a concern to Russia, which fears Western influence in Central Asia.